by Dr. Birgit Wogatzky | Dec 3, 2024 | Symptoms of nutrient deficiency
The Surprising Link Between Oral Contraceptives and Vitamin B6: What Every Young Woman Needs to Know
As a young woman navigating the myriad of health information available, you may already be familiar with the benefits of oral contraceptives (OCs) for birth control and managing menstrual symptoms. However, a less well-known aspect of using OCs is their impact on your nutritional health, specifically regarding vitamin B6. Recent research sheds light on how this essential nutrient can influence your physical mental well-being. This is especially important if you’re using hormonal contraception, as lack of vitamin B6 can potentially exacerbate common side effects of OCs such as depressive disorders.
The Importance of Vitamin B6 for Mental Health
Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, but one of its most significant roles is as a cofactor in the tryptophan-serotonin pathway. This pathway is essential for mood regulation. What happens in this pathway is that the essential amino acid tryptophan is converted in the body into serotonin. Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness.
Vitamin B6 is a critical cofactor in the enzymatic process that converts tryptophan into serotonin. Without sufficient vitamin B6, the conversion slows down, potentially reducing serotonin levels. This disruption can affect mood regulation and sleep patterns, leading to symptoms like irritability, fatigue, or even depression.
The Impact of Oral Contraceptives on Vitamin B6 Status
Oral contraceptives can significantly interfere with vitamin B6 status. Women using OCs have a higher risk of developing vitamin B6 deficiency compared to non-users. Studies show that 48.1% of OC users have deficient or marginal vitamin B6 status, compared to just 18.4% of those not using OCs. While some studies suggest that levels can normalize with prolonged use or supplementation, deficiencies remain a concern for many women.
When OCs interfere with vitamin B6 status, they can indirectly hinder the efficient use of tryptophan, lowering serotonin levels and exacerbating a common side effect of the birth control pill: mood swings and depressive disorders.
The Study: Exploring the Connection
A recent 12-week, randomized, double-blind crossover trial focused on this very issue. The study involved college-aged women (18-25 years old) who had been using OCs (a combination of estrogen and progestin) consistently for at least a year. These women did not take any other dietary supplements, ensuring that the results were specific to the effects of vitamin B6.
Participants underwent two 4-week treatment periods separated by a 4-week washout phase. During one period, they supplemented vitamin B6 daily, while during the other, they were given a placebo. They maintained their usual exercise and eating habits, and their dietary vitamin B6 intake remained consistent (1.2–1.4 mg/day) throughout the study.
Benefits of B6 Supplementation for OC Users
The results were revealing:
- Improved Vitamin B6 Status: After the supplementation period, participants’ vitamin B6 levels significantly increased.
- Reduction in Depressive Symptoms: Participants showed a 20% reduction in depressive symptoms with vitamin B6 supplementation, compared to an 11% increase during the placebo period.
What Does This Mean for You?
The evidence is clear: oral contraceptives can interfere with vitamin B6 levels, potentially impacting mood and mental well-being. However, these effects can often be mitigated with appropriate dietary changes or supplementation.
Practical Takeaways
- Stay Informed: Knowing how your contraceptive choice interacts with your nutrition is crucial for making empowered health decisions.
- Monitor Your Diet: Incorporate vitamin B6-rich foods like fish, poultry, potatoes, and non-citrus fruits to maintain adequate levels naturally.
- Consider Supplementation: Studies recommend a daily intake of 1.5 to 5 mg of vitamin B6 for most OC users to prevent deficiencies and support mood regulation.
Final Thoughts
While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between oral contraceptives and vitamin B6, the current evidence underscores the importance of maintaining optimal nutrient levels for overall well-being. By staying proactive about your nutrition, you can better manage potential side effects of hormonal contraception and support your mental health.
Remember, your health journey is personal, and informed choices are key to feeling your best every day.
by Dr. Birgit Wogatzky | Oct 25, 2024 | Symptoms of nutrient deficiency
Do you often suffer from a lack of energy and drive, tiredness and mood swings, even depression, but can’t find a real cause? Many women suffer from these complaints, and something many of them have in common is that they use hormonal oral contraceptives (commonly known as the birth control pill). It is this little pill that can be responsible for the various symptoms described. Something many women, and even doctors, do not know is that the pill can cause a deficiency in a number of essential vitamins and trace elements. This is not surprising, as hormones generally have a systemic effect on the whole body. In the long term, chronic nutrient deficiencies can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings and even depression, nausea and weight gain.
B vitamins – central to energy and nerve metabolism
B vitamins are central to energy metabolism and are also needed for the normal functioning of the nervous system. A lack of these vitamins can lead to a lack of energy and drive, tiredness, mood swings and even depression. The pill is considered to be a real nutrient thief, especially when it comes to the B vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid, which is why experts recommend targeted supplementation. For example, according to one study, taking extra vitamin B6 can significantly reduce the unpleasant side effects of the pill, such as mood swings, in many women1). The three B vitamins are also involved in the formation of red blood cells, which underlines the importance of an adequate supply of B vitamins. Severe forms of vitamin B deficiency can lead to anaemia in the long term (vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia, folic acid deficiency anaemia). A well-functioning immune system also depends on an adequate supply of these three B vitamins.
Increased risk of thrombosis
Thrombosis is a blockage of a blood vessel that can have a variety of causes and can occur in different parts of the body. One cause can be excessive levels of homocysteine in the blood. Homocysteine is a breakdown product of amino acids, i.e. protein building blocks, that is constantly produced during cell metabolism. This substance has vascular-damaging properties, which can subsequently lead to vascular calcification and blockage of blood vessels (= blood clots/thrombosis). This is where the three vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid come into the game. Together, they are responsible for the breakdown of this vascular toxin. Pundits link their deficiency to the often-described increased risk of thrombosis when taking oral contraceptives. They therefore recommend supplementation with these vitamins. The Pill Report by the University of Bremen in cooperation with a German health insurance showed a significant increase in the risk of thrombosis, especially with the newer 3rd and 4th generation pills.2)
Folate deficiency – critical if you want to have children in the future
A link between the use of hormonal oral contraceptives and a reduced level of folate in the blood serum was suspected as early as the 1960s, and in the following years this link was confirmed in several studies3). Folate levels did not return to normal until 3 months after stopping the pill. This is very important because folic acid is a key vitamin during pregnancy. Experts recommend taking folic acid supplements 4 weeks before conception. If you decide to become pregnant and stop taking the pill, the undetected folate deficiency caused by the pill can have a devastating effect on the development of your future baby. The best known consequence of folic acid deficiency during pregnancy is neural tube defects, such as open spina bifida.
Women who use a birth control pill benefit in many ways from a targeted, comprehensive and scientifically based compensation of nutrient deficiencies.
by Dr. Birgit Wogatzky | Oct 25, 2024 | Symptoms of nutrient deficiency
The decision to stop taking the pill is a big one for many women. Whether it is for family planning reasons, health reasons or simply because you want a hormone-free life, there are many factors that can influence this decision. But before you take this step, it’s important to be well informed. In this article, I’ll look at some of the important things to consider when coming off the pill, including post-pill syndrome and the need to prepare your body for a potential pregnancy.
What is post-pill syndrome
Post-pill syndrome refers to a range of symptoms that some women may experience after stopping the pill. These symptoms can vary and range from hormonal imbalances to menstrual irregularities and mood swings. Your body needs time to regenerate and regain its natural balance after years of using hormonal contraceptives. So if you find that your body is reacting differently than expected after stopping the pill, be patient and give it a few weeks to adjust.
Effects on the nutrient balance
Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives such as the pill can cause your body to become deficient in important vitamins and minerals. These include deficiencies in vitamins such as B6, B12 and folic acid, minerals such as magnesium and zinc, and protective antioxidants such as vitamin C, E and coenzyme Q10. The best thing to do is to make sure you get the right balance of these nutrients. Ideally, you should supplement them as a precaution while you’re still taking the pill, so that you don’t get into nutrient deficiencies in the first place. Once you stop taking the pill, supplementing these vital nutrients can help restore your body’s natural balance. This is particularly important for women who want to have children, as a lack of folic acid can affect the development of the foetus.
Preparing for pregnancy
If you are planning to become pregnant after stopping the pill, you should prepare your body accordingly. This includes rebuilding your folic acid stores, as folic acid plays an important role in the development of the baby’s neural tube and can reduce the risk of neural tube defects. It is recommended that women who are trying to get pregnant wait at least three months before actively trying to conceive. During this time, you can support your body by eating a balanced diet rich in folic acid and other essential nutrients, and taking supplements if necessary to make sure you get all the vitamins and minerals you need.
Conclusion
Stopping the pill is a personal decision that should be well thought out. It is important to be aware that the transition may involve some changes in your body, but it is also an opportunity to get to know your body’s natural rhythms and needs. If you are planning to have children, it is advisable to prepare your body by optimising your nutrition and giving it time to regenerate. Ultimately, it is important to listen to your body and make the decision that is best for you.
